Countdown by John Walker (feel good fiction books txt) 📗

mercy, you bitch! I offered you the Goddamn world! And this is what you do?”

“If you would’ve been reasonable,” Rita said, “none of this would’ve happened.”

“But we would’ve had something… something special.” Loch looked at the others. “Who are you?”

“I’m Zem.” He stepped forward. “I’m part of Rita’s crew and you screwed with the wrong people.” He glanced at Rita. “Do we need him?”

“Just his arm,” Rita replied. “Go ahead.”

“What?” Loch’s eyes widened. “No! Wait! What’re you…”

Zem blasted him in the head, melting his face so he couldn’t even gurgle. The body landed on its back, stiff for half a second before slumping in the dirt. Dora brought The Bounty around, landing it some twenty yards off. Torrence watched Rita collect Loch’s computer before running back toward the ship.

“Come on,” Rita ordered, “I need to bluff our way onto that ship.”

“How the hell are you going to do that?” Zem asked.

“He gave me a job.” Rita grinned at them. “They don’t know who caused all this. I might be able to leverage it. If not, we get out of here. Otherwise…”

“We’ve got a weapon for the war,” McCully finished. “Crazy, but I approve.”

“So glad, Ellie.” Rita clapped her on the back. “Okay, Dora! We’re aboard! Take us up and stop the jam. I’ve got a call to make.”

***

Rita stepped away from the others before she reached out to Loch’s orbiting vessel. A moment passed before it connected. No one spoke right away. They were dead silent for a good fifteen seconds. The microphone switched hands a few times, making a bunch of noise before a nervous female voice spoke.

“This is the Lockdown.” The name made Rita groan. The person speaking appeared to be trembling. “Um… what’s happening down there? We’ve read a lot of activity.”

“This is Rita Peck. I believe you remember that Loch gave me a job with you folks, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am. Bodyguard and trainer.”

“I’m coming aboard right now. We had an attempted coup down here.” Rita made her way to the bridge. “We need landing clearance right away.”

“Um… what about Mister Loch? Is he with you?”

“Only in spirit,” Rita said. “We’ll catch up with him later. Right now, I need to, er… lockdown… the Lockdown.” Saying it made her shoulders slump. “Anyway, we’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, ma’am. You’ve got clearance.”

“Thank you.” Rita smirked as she flopped in a seat. She muted the line. “Take us in, Dora. I think we just got ourselves a starship.”

“If you can keep them in line,” McCully said. “And I’m not convinced you’ll be able to. These people… these pirates aren’t exactly made for discipline.”

“Won’t matter. We just have to sell it long enough to get to a place where we can replace the crew. Gold Empire, Confeds… I don’t care which. Once we’ve got people in place, we can get into the fight. And that’s the point of all this, right? Help out as much as possible.”

“You’re quick to jump back in,” Zem said, “after the fighting on Gallik and now this.”

“Meh. What else do we have going on?”

“We could leave,” Zem replied. “Take off on all this shit. You don’t owe these people anything.”

“Whoa.” McCully turned on him. “I was under the impression we were allies. What happened?”

“Nothing.” Zem shrugged. “But I’m a civilian and so is she.”

“Technically,” McCully countered, “she’s a major. Whitaker reinstated her. And unless Northam took it back, she’s a part of the Confed military again. So she can’t just go AWOL with you on some criminal adventure.”

“Stop,” Rita interrupted. “That’s enough. This isn’t an argument. We’re helping fend off the ervas. If they succeed, we’re all done. Doesn’t matter if we’re running around alone or part of the armed forces. Either way, those bastards will eventually wipe us out or subjugate the galaxy. So I’m in the fight to the end.” She looked at Zem. “Are you?”

“I’ll follow you anywhere,” Zem replied. “What about Borden?”

“He should be safe enough.” Rita shrugged. “We’ll try to reach him when we get where we’re going. Right now, let’s focus on keeping everyone calm on… the Lockdown. What a terrible name. Christ, that guy was an idiot!”

“It’s pretty bad.” Zem took a seat.

Rita looked around. “Where’s Torrence?”

“She’s in the back.” Zem jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. “She’s pretty upset about Nostros.”

Rita sighed. “He was a good guy. I’ll talk to her when we’re settled.” They closed on the hangar, passing through easily enough. Okay, not being shot was great. That gives me hope. As they set down, she turned to the others. “Alright, I’m going first. Stay aboard until I’ve established that we won’t have a problem.”

She headed down the hall. Zem stayed close behind. “You really don’t like orders, huh?”

“I just went through a lot of shit to find you,” Zem said. “I’m not about to let you get killed now.”

“Fair enough. Let me do the talking.”

“When haven’t I?”

They hit the panel, making the ramp drop. A young woman wearing a gaudy green jacket with gold epaulets waited for them. She was flanked by two guys with guns. They all stood at attention when she disembarked… which surprised her. Why are they suddenly disciplined? That seems… weird.

“I’m Commander Gabby Philton,” the woman announced, “and I’m at your service.”

“Excellent.” Rita stepped close, lowering her voice. “Orders from Loch. He’s gone underground for the time being. There’s a threat we have to help take care of before he can come out of hiding. My military background should make this possible. Can I count on you to help me deal with this?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Gabby nodded. She turned to Zem. “Who’s this?”

“New guy who started at the compound. He and his crew are aboard. They’re allies. Paid well, I might add. Once we’re out of here, they’ll